Avalanche forecast

West Slopes Central

Northwest Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

It is likely that you can trigger a wind slab avalanche on steep slopes on Saturday. Pay attention to snow conditions to determine whether you are encountering wind slabs, and also whether snow is moistening enough for loose wet avalanches to become a problem. Avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees, especially where you notice they are wind loaded or getting moist.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    Maintain awareness of deep persistent slabs as more weight (snow) just loaded onto them. Chances that you will trigger an avalanche on this layer are unlikely, however an avalanche occurring is not out of the question. Keep this in mind, especially when you approach the runouts of large avalanche paths as the storm just finished actively loading start zones with thick deposits. Continue to stay out of steep start zones as well. 

    A cornice failure triggered this avalanche, suspected to be on the mid-Jan layer, a couple weeks ago. Photo: Jeremy Allyn

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Several very large slab avalanches failed in the West Central zone at the beginning of the week (check out the photos below). On Thursday more avalanches hit Highway 20 in the West North zone past milepost 120. This occurred during the height of the storm, but we are not too far out from that yet, so continue to exercise caution in steep terrain and beneath runouts of large avalanche paths.  

    There are a number of underlying layers of concern which slab avalanches could fail on, such as a sun crust from Wednesday’s intense sun on steep southerly slopes, or a layer of graupel in other areas. You may find slabs 6 inches to several feet thick. Previously, strong winds redistributed snow into touchy slabs. These will most likely fail in gullies, beneath rock bands, below cornices (which are getting very large) and under ridgelines. Your added weight makes an avalanche occurring on these steep slopes likely. Search for pillow-like drifted snow deposits and feel for stiffer snow as you travel, and avoid these areas on steep slopes. Dig down a couple feet and investigate whether any layers fail easily.  Avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees, especially in wind loaded areas.  

    A natural slab avalanche spotted by snowmobilers.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    If clouds part loose wet avalanches could run on steep south-facing slopes.Retreat off sunny slopes if you notice the snow getting moist. In all other areas, loose dry avalanches could occur on steep shady slopes that were sheltered from the wind. Several backcountry users reported loose dry avalanches in the last couple days in the Mt Baker area. Expect similar conditions in our zone as temperatures remain cool on shady slopes and preserve the low-density nature. Stay alert, as avalanches may run naturally. Avoid travelling in areas where terrain traps such as cliffs, trees or gullies are present if you think you may encounter one of these avalanches.

    Wet and dry loose avalanche will occur on Saturday. They are most hazardous if the steep south-facing slopes get direct sunlight midday.

Avalanche Discussion

Conditions are varying extensively throughout the West Central zone right now, and observations are limited. We do know that several avalanches occurred with the storm at the beginning of the week (2/21-22), and we suspect others may have occurred in the last 2 days, possibly as deep as some of the earlier ones. Make sure to do your homework with properly investigating a slope before jumping onto something steep. As we’ve just received a lot of snow and wind, continue to exercise caution- it’s not open season yet! 

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, continue to follow the latest guidance from local, state, and federal health officials. Avoid unnecessary risks that could impact first responders and stress medical resources.  Wear a mask when appropriate, practice social distancing, and consider recreating closer to home.

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